Adaku’s Revolt

Choreography by Okwui Okpokwasili

Friday, March 22, 201911am
Grades 2 & up • In English • 60 mins

MacArthur Fellow Okwui Okpokwasili tells the story of a young black girl who summons her inner strength to revolt against imposed beauty standards and wear her hair naturally.

Creator and performer Okpokwasili and designer and director Peter Born collaborate on an interdisciplinary approach towards examining gender and culture through this captivating performance. The name Adaku, in the Igbo language spoken in Okpokwasili’s native Nigeria, means “one who brings wealth to the family.” In this narrative, Adaku’s wealth lies in protecting the precious landscape of her hair from existential threats. Often a young black girl with un-straightened hair is perceived by society as exuding signals of rebellion, unruliness, madness, and ugliness.

Adaku’s Revolt tackles what it might mean for a young girl to feel healthy and free from pain, even if she risks being ostracized.

Creative Team
Created by Okwui Okpokwasili & Peter Born
Choreography by Okwui Okpokwasili
Direction and design by Peter Born
Performed by Okwui Okpokwasili, Khadidiatou Bangoura, Audrey Hailes, Breyanna Maples, and Ajia Wilmore
Production managed by Michaelangelo DeSerio
Produced by Miranda Wright & Lucy Jackson for Los Angeles Performance Practice

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For public schools, a refundable deposit of $1 per student is required. Chaperones attend for free. Minimum 1 adult per 10 students required. Deposit is refundable, as follows: In full except in case of a no-show and the reservation was not cancelled at least two weeks in advance. Partially, if the number of students attending is less than the reservation and notice was not given to FIAF at least two weeks in advance.

FIAF Young Audience Programs are supported by the Fondation d'entreprise Engie and, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.

This event is part of TILT Kids Festival 2019, co-presented by FIAF and the Cultural Services of the French Embassy.

Funding provided by The MAP Fund, supported by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and the Howard Gilman Foundation, and created with support from the Abrons Arts Center through the Abrons AIRspace Residency Program.